RESIDENTS at a one-of-a-kind retirement housing estate in Morris Green were treated to a special afternoon tea to celebrate a top commendation.

Hanover House, in Maldwyn Avenue, was named as the runner up in the Pet Friendly Retirement Housing of the Year award, run by The Cinnamon Trust.

Many Hanover House residents continue to live with their pets, and staff at the retirement complex have been praised by the trust for going above and beyond to ensure that residents do not have to be separated from their furry and feathered friends.

In honour of the accolade, residents were treated to a Cornish cream tea at the Salvation Army Hall of St Helens Road, as well as going home with goody bags and treats for their pets.

One of the residents enjoying the tea party was Hilda Edgington, aged 80, who lives at Hanover House with her husband Jim ­­— a 93-year-old Second World War veteran ­— and their two cats Baby and Kitty.

The couple had emigrated to Spain, but when they visited England on holiday last year Mr Edgington became ill meaning they were unable to return.

Mrs Edgington said: "Fortunately we got this flat at Hanover and shipped our two cats over, because we couldn't get homes for them, and they have settled in very well."

She added: "It means everything living somewhere you can have your pets. We couldn't just abandon them, they make our family whole."

Also enjoying the party was Neville Gregson, aged 79, who lives at Hanover House with his wife Sylvia, aged 77, and their African Grey parrot Oliver.

Mr Gregson said: "I'm chuffed that Hanover House has won this award and it's a great thing for them to let people live with their pets.

"It's brilliant being able to live with Oliver. He's a great talker I've never met a bird as good at talking as him."

The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity for elderly and terminally ill people and their pets, who strive to keep owners and their pets together from providing help with dog walking and transport to vets, to fostering while owners are in hospital.

Ian Field, a Cinnamon Trust representative, said: "Hanover House was head and shoulders above anywhere else I visited in the Greater Manchester area, because of the residents and the way they look after other and their pets. It's exceptional really.

"It was a privilege to represent the Cinnamon Trust today and I'm delighted for Hanover House."

Carol Hall, estate manager at Hanover House added: "This all comes down to the importance of pet ownership for older people.

"One of the most drastic issues for older people is loneliness and social isolation. So being able to have a pet and look after it gives them a sense of purpose and connects them to the community again.

"I'm absolutely delighted and really pleased for the residents."